Neuroradiology Experts Provide Insight Into Otology Imaging

by Thomas R. Collins •

There are cases that need to be acknowledged where the rule can’t be so rigidly applied. Because the course of the vestibular aqueduct is an oblique one, short-axis reformats should be used in the evaluation, a point made in a study of 15 patients by Dr. Curtin. He and his colleagues determined that, when it is examined in this way, the aqueduct should really measure less than 1 mm along its course. This, Dr. Robson said, “introduces a gray zone, in that patients with a normal midpoint diameter but with an opercular diameter of between 1 to 2 mm could be potentially abnormal.

“Indeed,” she said, “in some of these children we have actually noticed cochlear incomplete partition type 2 anomalies. I think that is the gray zone where we would perhaps provide a measurement rather than coming down hard on saying whether or not it’s enlarged.”

Thomas Collins is a freelance medical writer based in Florida.

Take-Home Points

  • MRI is best when looking at subtle differences in soft tissues, but the resolution of CT is superior when it comes to bone.
  • Multi-detector CT is best for assessing children with external and middle ear anomalies who present with conductor or mixed hearing loss.
  • MRI would be best for a child who is a potential cochlear implant candidate.